Could Lionel Messi follow Pep Guardiola to Man City?

Ladbrokes go 5/1 for reunion

Lionel Messi is just 5/1 to sign for Manchester City and link-up with old boss Pep Guardiola at the Ethiad.

That’s the price quoted by Ladbrokes, in reaction to the news that the former Barcelona supremo will be in charge of the Citizens from the start of next season.

The bookmaker go 6/5 that Pep wins the Premier League in his first season while it’s just 1/3 that the Spaniard lands any major trophy during his maiden campaign at Eastlands.

Meanwhile, City are 8/1 to win the Champions League and a whopping 150/1 to secure an unprecedented quadruple.

That latter feat is one that can still be achieved by outgoing manager, Manuel Pellegrini.

His side are already in the League Cup final and well-placed to add to a potential trophy haul before the Chilean makes a rather unceremonious departure.

Elsewhere, the price on Jose Mourinho to become the next Manchester United manager has shortened with the Portuguese now 4/5 from 11/10 to replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: “Manchester Airport’s arrivals lounge may yet see another famous face or two following Guardiola this summer. The new City boss is long-odds on to bring his trophy-winning touch to the blue half of Manchester and it would be a surprise if he wasn’t to better Pellegrini’s haul during his stay.”

Pep Guardiola Specials

To win a major trophy in his first season (Prem, CL, FA Cup, League Cup) – 1/3

To win the Premier League in his first season – 6/5

To be named Premier League Manager of the Year 2016-17 – 6/4

To sign Robert Lewandowski for Man City – 7/2

To be named Premier League Manager of the Month for August 2016 – 7/2

To sign Lionel Messi for Man City – 5/1

To win the Champions League in his first season – 8/1

To be sacked in his first season – 10/1

To win the quadruple in his first season (Prem, UCL, FA Cup, League Cup) – 150/1

Related

Having graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of Wales, Bangor, William contributed to a number of online football blogs before finally finding his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow alongside the rest of the Ladbrokes News team. Now indulging passions for football, horse racing, greyhounds, boxing and political betting. Supports Wycombe Wanderers and can be spotted at various lower league and non-league grounds across the country.